18 Lakh families of Assam to get Rs 830 in their bank accounts

Guwahati:Touted as the biggest scheme ever in the state, the Assam government will launch 'Orunodoi' scheme tomorrow under which over 18 lakh families in the state will receive a minimum of Rs 830 per month in their bank accounts.

State Finance Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing a press conference here today, said, "This is the biggest ever scheme in Assam post-Independence. We are targeting to increase the coverage to 30 lakh families eventually."

"This scheme will strengthen the role of the women as the money will be deposited in the bank accounts of the women of the families," he added.

He informed that the scheme will be formally opened tomorrow with the transfer of the money to beneficiaries in Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup (Rural) districts, and the amount will be credited to the beneficiary accounts in the last week of every month.

While the amount for the month of November will be credited from tomorrow, the amount for December will be transferred in the last week of the month, and thereafter, it will be credited in the last week every month.

The scheme will be rolled out in 29 districts at the moment, with 18.20 lakh beneficiaries, and it will be implemented in the four districts under Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) once the Council election process is over.

The number of beneficiaries will increase to about 22 lakh once the BTC districts are also included, the minister said.

The scheme will entail an outflow of Rs 200 crore from the state exchequer, he said, adding that there would be a periodical review of beneficiaries at the local level.(UNI)